Crane support on Techno Metal Post

Type of Project

Installation of 44 P4 model piles beneath a concrete block to support a tower crane. This crane will be used for the construction of three residential buildings.

Location

77 Président-Kennedy Road, Lévis (Quebec)

Challenges

The project required the installation of helical piles to support a concrete block measuring 7.8 m × 7.8 m × 1.9 m thick, used as a base for a crane building three towers of 18 to 24 storeys.
The existing ground (fill, clay, and low-bearing-capacity sand) could not support the heavy loads from the crane and concrete block.
In addition, the site presented several challenges: tight deadlines, limited access, and a very restricted working area.

Solutions

To meet the project requirements, 44 P4 model piles were installed using an ET-1 machine, with an average torque of ± 14,700 lb-ft per pile.
The bearing capacity of the piles ranged from 205 kN in compression to 35 kN in tension.
Some piles were installed at a slight angle of ± 5°, as recommended by the engineer, to optimise load transfer in both compression and uplift (tension).

The piles were driven to an average depth of ± 5.3 m from the excavation base, anchored in the rock layer (shale).
Two workers were present on site: one installer and one welder.

Effective coordination between the design engineer (Iconex), the dealer (Techno Pieux Québec Est), and the engineering department enabled quick and precise installation of the piles.

Results / Conclusion

All 44 piles were successfully installed, providing a reliable foundation for the concrete block and tower crane.
The chosen method allowed the team to meet both schedule and space constraints while ensuring the safety and stability required for the construction of the three residential buildings.

Additional Information

• Year: 2025
• Client: Construction Dinamo
• General Contractor: Construction Dinamo

External links:

https://lefitz.ca/projet/

https://www.constructiondinamo.com/

https://www.iconex-ing.com/